Oysters, Scotch and More at Tipple and Brine

If you like scotch and you like oysters then this name has probably already gotten your attention. Located in Sherman Oaks, Tipple and Brine opened in April and is one of the many spots to brighten the Valley’s dining scene and entice those living in other parts of the city to fight the traffic to get there. It’s worth it! Rustic (reclaimed wood) but industrial (Edison lights), it’s a casual neighborhood restaurant and bar.

Start with the signature item – oysters! Even better, do an oyster luge – eat an oyster, then pour some Scotch into the briny liquid left in the shell and slurp. Can’t chose a Scotch from the couple dozen options? They make it easy for you. For $8, they select the oyster and a 1 oz shot of Scotch that will best pair with it.

Once finished our oyster luges, move on to cocktails. With drinks made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey and cognac, there is an option for everyone.

The menu is divided into sections. In addition to oysters, which the selection rotates daily, there are Vegetables, Seafood and Land.

From Vegetables, the options are seasonal and creative and full of flavor: cauliflower with currants, cauliflower cream, pickled chili and almonds, kale green goddess with ricotta salata, English peas and fried chickpeas and tender mushroom gnudi with ricotta dumplings, morels, turnip puree, capers and parmesan.

Under Seafood do not miss the unique sea urchin toast with avocado mousse, radish and scallion. Of course, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices, from crispy oysters with creamed nettles and smoked onion jam and steamed clams with chorizo vin and breadcrumbs to gulf shrimp with smoked tomato, uni butter and fried okra and fried octopus with squid ink aioli, eggplant, shishitos and mojo.

Sea Urchin Toast with avocado mousse, radish and scallion

Crispy Oysters with creamed nettles and smoked onion jam

Steamed Clams with chorizo vin and breadcrumbs

Gshrimp with smoked tomato, uni butter and fried okra

Fried octopus with squid ink aioli, eggplant, shishitos and mojo

The Land seasonal offerings include a pork chop, lamb shank, flat iron steak and the full of flavor roasted chicken with sumac yogurt, chickpea panisse and pickled nectarines.

Of course, save a little room for dessert as you won’t want to miss the popular Carrot Cake with bourbon butterscotch and candied pecans.

Carrot Cake with bourbon butterscotch and candied pecans

Tipple and Brine also offers a great Happy Hour daily from (4:30-7 p.m.), Monday through Friday. Half a dozen oysters for $12 (full dozen is $24) and other great deals. But, if you love oysters, don’t miss Mondays because you can get $1 oysters ALL Night long!